SPL Vitalizer Stereo MK2-T, 9739 User manual

Manual

Model 9739

STEREO

MK2-T

Dual Channel Tube Program EQ

Manual

R & D:Wolfgang Neumann & Ruben Tilgner

Version 2.3 – 09/2000

The information in this document has been
carefully verified and is assumed to be
correct. However Sound Performance Lab
(SPL) reserves the right to modify the product
described in this manual at any time.Changes
without notice.This document is the property
of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced
in any manner, in part or full without the
authorization of SPL.

Limitations of Liability:

In no event will SPL be liable for any damages,
including loss of data, lost profits, cost of
cover or other special, incidental, consequen­tial or indirect damages arising from the use
of the unit, however caused and on any
theory of liability. This limitation will apply
even if SPL or an authorized dealer has been
advised of the possibility of such damage.

Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T

Model 9739

Sound Performance Lab

P. O . B o x 12 27

D- 41368 Niederkruechten, Germany

Tel [phone]

Fax + 49 -2163-98 34 20

e-Mail [e-mail]

© 2000 SPL electronics GmbH. Subject to change

without notice. All rights reserved. Vitalizer
stered trademark of SPL electronics GmbH.

TM

is a regi-

Foreword .................................................................................................. 3

Thanks ....................................................................................................... 3

Introduction ............................................................................................ 4

Operation Safety .................................................................................... 4

Connections ............................................................................................ 5

Applications

Recording Studio ................................................................................ 6

Tape Duplication ................................................................................. 7

Broadcast ............................................................................................... 7

Sound Reinforcement ........................................................................ 8

Video & Film Post Production .......................................................... 8

First steps ............................................................................................... 9

Control elements

ACTIVE......................................................................................................10

DRIVE........................................................................................................10

BASS SOUND..........................................................................................10

BASS COMPRESSION............................................................................12

MID-HI TUNE.......................................................................................... 12

PROCESS..................................................................................................13

LC-EQ.......................................................................................................14

INTENSITY...............................................................................................14

STEREO EXPANDER..............................................................................15

Power supply ..........................................................................................16

Specifications .........................................................................................17

Warranty ...................................................................................................18

Contents

Dear customer,

Thank you for the confidence you have shown towards SPL elec­tronics GmbH by purchasing the SPL S
decided to use a tool of high performance which sets you in the
position to have faster success and a better sound quality in your
music productions, live sound applications and pre-masterings.

As a typical SPL unit the S

plary specifications and high manufacturing standard with excel­lent sound quality to provide you a precious component for
recording purposes.

Please read this manual carefully to ensure you have all

the information you need to use the S
We wish you every success with your S

I would like to start with my thanks to all our staff, who created
what is to be described here.The importance of their exceptional
qualification and talents cannot be overestimated.

TEREO VITALIZER MK2-T combines exem-

TEREO VITALIZER MK2-T.You have

TEREO VITALIZER MK2-T.

TEREO VITALIZER MK2-T.

Your Sound Performance Lab-Team

Foreword

Thanks

Our products are often tested and compared in many publica-

tions and by our customers themselfs and constantly valued with
best results. I would like to pass on this broad appreciation to
those,who deserve it – my excellent colleagues.

Hermann Gier

STEREO

MK2-T

3

Introduction

The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T is an equaliser concept which makes
use of scientific psychoacoustic technology to process audio
signals. The Vitalizer-technology has been constantly improved
over the past nine years since its invention by SPL´s Wolfgang
Neumann and Hermann Gier.

The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T is the tube version of the successful
Stereo Vitalizer MK2. The ‘MK2-T’ utilises two Sovtek 12AX7­double triode tubes. One of them is used within the Mid-Hi Tune
filter and gives the mid frequencies even more accurate transpa­rency with a soft, unobtrusive sound. The second tube is used
within the Stereo Expander.The stereo image not only gains more
width but also more depth, transparency and clarity because of
the pleasant tube harmonics. Great emphasis has been put into
maintaining mono-compatibility. The treble range is reworked
with new LC-filters, which focus on achieving a smooth, silky
sound pattern. High frequencies are livened up extremely noise­less without them sounding hard or aggressive.

As with all Vitalizer models you can choose between a dry,
percussive bass (Tight) or a punchy, soft and very deep sound
character (Soft). The bass is accentuated without any risk of
emphasising the lower mid frequencies unnaturally. An easy to
use compressor complements the bass section allowing the
correction of level change due to bass processing.

Operation Safety

Important security advices –
please read them carefully!

The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T is especially designed to serve the
needs in recording, mastering, cutting and post production work.
Used on complete mixes or being inserted into the subgroups to
treat specific parts of the mix, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T will
perform the same task as those esoteric and costly equalisers
often used for audio sweetening but with far greater tonal flexibi­lity and at a much lower cost.

The housing of the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T has the standard 19"­EIA format and occupies 1U (44.45 mm) in your rack.When instal­ling the unit in a 19"-rack, the rear side of the unit needs some
support, especially in a touring case.

The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T should not be installed near units
which produce strong magnetic fields or extreme heat. Do not
install the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T directly above or below power
amplifiers. Check that the voltage details quoted on the back
panel are the same as your local mains electricity supply. Use a
minus (-) screwdriver to set the voltage selector to the voltage for
the area in which the unit will be used.

Never cover up the ventilation slots on the top of the unit. If,
during operation, the sound is interrupted or indicators no longer
illuminate, or if abnormal odor or smoke is detected, or if liquids
are spilled on the unit, immediately disconnect the power cord
plug and contact your dealer.

Only clean your Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T with a soft,lint-free cloth.

4

STEREO

MK2-T

Before connecting the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T switch the power off
at all connected units.

The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T is fitted with both XLR-connectors
and TRS stereo jacks for balanced operation, though the jacks
may be used with unbalanced connections simply by plugging in
mono jack-plugs. The level difference that normally occurs when
a balanced input or output is used unbalanced is automatically
compensated for.

Should the need arise to use the XLR connectors in an unba­lanced system, pin 3 of the XLRs should be grounded. The follo­wing illustration shows how to properly unbalance a balanced
signal:

Connections

Tip: Inserting a mono jack also unbalances the XLRs.

Both output stages operate in parallel, so it is possible to connect
two different destination units simultaneously, for example to
record to two different media at the same time or split the output
between a mixer and effects processor. However,only one type of
input (jack or XLR) should be connected at a time – the Stereo
Vitalizer MK2-T is not intended to be used as a mixer!

To ensure optimal signal quality, SPL has developed a new
hybrid-component balanced input/output stage using all laser­trimmed resistors with a tolerance of 0.01%. This approach has
resulted in high CCMR (common mode rejection) values better
than -80dB at 1kHz.

Pin wiring: XLR connectors

3

12

Tip=Hot(+) Ring=Cold(-) Sleeve=GND

1=GND 2=Hot(+) 3=Cold(-)

Pin wiring: Stereo Jack plug

Other rear panel connections and switches:

• Voltage selector: 220-240V/50Hz or 100-120V/60Hz

• CSA/UL/VDE approved 3-pole power plug

• GND-Lift switch

STEREO

MK2-T

5

Applications

Recording Studio

Application 1:

1. In Recording Studios, the most popular application is to process
a final mix, either while mixing or during post-production prior to
cutting. Insert your Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T into the master-inserts
of your console or right in between a playback and a recording
unit. Although inserting the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T into the
master inserts is the most popular application, we advise to insert
the unit into the sub-groups, so that specific elements of the mix
are being treated with the Vitalizer process.

When patching the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T into the sub-groups
or master-breaks of the console, note if the master breaks are
switched ‘pre’ or ‘post’ fader. They should best be switched ‘pre’
fader, so that a variation of the master fader does not affect the
input level of the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T. The effect level and the
treated sound will then remain unchanged. It is important to use
full-range monitors to assess the effect of any bass processing in
and out of circuit in order to appreciate just how much proces­sing has been added; the brain soon acclimates to changes in
timbre and it is easy to overdo it! If in doubt, refer frequently to
known recordings played through the same monitor system.

Do not connect the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T between master­outputs and amplifier.The major disadvantage of this connection
is the varying input sensitivity with each fader movement.

The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T
inserted into the master
or subgroup inserts of the
console.

2.Processing of existing master tapes is another popular stereo
application, both during post-production and when reprocessing
archive material for CD release. If a single-ended noise reduction
system is used to clean up the original, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T
can make a significant contribution in restoring the high end
detail that invariably suffers during such treatment. In many
cases, the restored master can be made to sound appreciably
better than the original.

Application 2:

The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T
inserted between noise­reduction and recorder to
improve archived recordings.

6

STEREO

MK2-T